closing

Fat Head’s Portland to Close, Ownership to Open New Brewpub

Fat Head’s Brewing will be closing its Portland location in the first quarter of 2018. The Ohio-based brewery had an agreement with local owner Tom Cook to open a new outpost of its successful small brewpub chain, and for reasons unknown the operating agreement has ended. However, where one brewpub concept closes, it appears another will take its place under the same ownership team and be called Von Ebert Brewing. Recent business filings show that Tom Cook has also purchased the Ringside Grill and will likely be opening a second 7bbl brewhouse in its place, as well as a new operation in the current Fat Head’s space in the Pearl District. No word yet on what the concept of the new place and its name will be.

Of the decision, Fat Head’s founder Glenn Benigni said, “Despite the best efforts from both sides, we were unable to agree upon a vision for the future. As a result, we’ve mutually decided to close the Fat Head’s Brewery location in Portland, pouring our last beer in early 2018. We’re extremely proud of our accomplishments and the success we’ve had here,” he continued, “including the the team that was put in place at its inception. We are forever grateful for their hard work and dedication to Fat Head’s.”

All current employees will be given the opportunity to retain their positions within the new company that will occupy the space at 131 NW 13th Avenue. Fat Head’s wishes them success in their future endeavors.

“We’d like to say thanks to the beautiful city of Portland and all of the customers who joined us there over the years,” expressed Benigni. “It has been a pleasure serving you.”

Fat Head’s will now concentrate efforts in growing their production brewery and brand in Ohio, Pennsylvania and neighboring states.

Founder of The New School and most frequent contributor Ezra Johnson-Greenough has worked in the craft beer industry for almost 10 years, doing everything from illustrating beer labels to bartending at renowned beer bars and breweries like Belmont Station, Apex, Laurelwood and Upright Brewing. He has also had a hand in creating events like the Portland Fruit Beer Festival, Portland Beer Week, and the Brewing up Cocktails series. He is available for freelance consultation in marketing, events, graphic design and branding.
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The New School Beer aims to be the #1 source for craft beer, cider and mead industry news in the northwest. We focus on breaking stories about new breweries, new brands, openings, closings, reviews, interviews, videos and industry news and commentary from a variety of well connected contributors.